Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
After staying in Waikiki on many occasions, I thought I’d write about this very popular place. If you’re planning to visit, there’s a lot to see and do in the area.
While vacationing, we hit up the shops and restaurants, but there’s more than that. I’ll tell you about some of our favorites to give you ideas.
I’ll also share what to know from our experience, and photos from our adventures. This might help you plan your trip!
Things to Do in Waikiki
The Waikiki beach area booms with tourists night and day. I’ve visited in all seasons, and it’s more tolerable in the off-season.
The area is very walkable, and we get to most places without a car. There’s also a public bus system and ride share in the area.
Waikiki Beach
First, let me start with the beach, since it’s the place most people come here for. It’s free to the public, and pretty much open all night and day.
I recommend either getting there early in the morning, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., to avoid people and the intense sun.
Also, some areas close at certain times, so look for signs.
When people refer to Waikiki, it includes the whole beach area. But it’s also made up of private areas that you can access with a resort stay.
We once stayed at the Pink Palace and had access to the Royal Hawaiian Beach. It was nice because we could walk outside and enjoy the water.
However, you don’t have to stay in an oceanfront hotel to enjoy the beach. When we stayed at other hotels, we could park the car nearby and walk.
We’ll find free street parking or metered parking right by the beach.
Even with private beach access, Waikiki Beach can get very crowded. We find beach chairs and umbrellas lined up all over the place.
Despite all the people, the waters are clear and cool. We always catch a nice breeze in the area, with pretty ocean views.
It’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling. I found the water pleasant and not too rough for wading around.
Beach Boardwalk
We like walking on the boardwalk to see beautiful views of the beachfront. You’ll find paved areas that take you to rocky shores.
You could walk the whole Waikiki Boardwalk that’s 2 miles. You can access this path that runs access this right along Waikiki Beach. However, it’s not all paved and not all one path.
We usually walk along the path at Ala Moana Beach Park, which loops around the shore. It’s paved, and you can access it across from the shopping center.
This isn’t where you’ll want to go swimming though. I’d stay at the beach for that.
However, the boardwalk is an easy stroll, and a great scenic way to enjoy beautiful sunsets and views.
When the sun reflects off the hotels, it’s incredible and pretty. The waves crashing against the shore are relaxing to watch and listen to.
While walking around, we found many cats poking their heads out of the rocks. So, cat lovers, you’ll love this!
Regional Beach Parks
There are a couple of regional parks right in Waikiki, and we like visiting them. You can have a picnic, relax, and walk around.
The ones we’ve visited and recommend are Fort DeRussy Park, Kapi’olani Regional Park, and Ala Moana Regional Park. They all have beautiful views.
I’ll call these beach parks, because they are beaches and parks all in one. You’ll find the sandy area by the water, plus the grassy area too.
Plus, we’ve found trees, so there’s plenty of shade. We always see people lounging, reading books, and enjoying the breezes.
Plus, we’ve found more cats in the parks and people feeding them. I think I’m safe to say that Hawaii is very cat-friendly!
Shopping & Malls
Some people like to shop when they’re on vacation. I’d rather do other activities, but for those wanting to spend money, Waikiki is full of shops.
You’ll find big designer names to little family-owned Hawaiian-crafted goods. We’ve been to all of the major shopping centers, so I’ll tell you about your options.
Luxury Row
Okay, this is where you’ll find the big designer names down Kalakaua Avenue. If you stay at a beachfront resort, Luxury Row is all within walking distance.
You’ll literally find high-end stores one after another. I like to window shop here, as that’s entertaining enough. I’d rather blow my money on the experiences though.
Waikiki Shopping Plaza
While walking on Kalakaua Avenue, we found the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. You can find more mainstream shops that you’ll find at a regular mall here.
They had more affordable stores down this strip, and we shopped for swimwear over here. Plus, we found many shops with Hawaiian-made items.
Ala Moana Center
I liken the Ala Moana Center to a regular mall that you’d find on the mainland with Hawaiian flair. It’s a busy shopping area with little shops and big-box stores like Macy’s.
They have a very busy food court on the bottom level, and it seems many locals come here.
You might have to walk a bit to get here, as it’s a distance, but I still consider it Waikiki. There are shuttles that will bring you here too.
Every time we’ve come here, it’s been very crowded and difficult to find parking. So, you might want to walk or hop on a shuttle.
At this shopping center, you’ll access the scenic walking path that I discussed earlier.
Royal Hawaiian Center
While staying at the Royal Hawaiian Resort, we discovered more luxury brands. These are ones I’ve only seen online, so it was interesting to see these stores in person.
And, the Royal Hawaiian Center was located right next to where we stayed. So, you don’t have to walk far when staying at any of the beachfront resorts.
They also have a food court upstairs, which isn’t huge, but they have some fast food choices.
International Market Place
I like going to the International Market Place because it’s an open-air mall. Plus, I just love the huge trees growing at the entrance—you can’t miss it!
Located off Kalakaua Avenue, it’s a busy place with live entertainment. I’ve been able to catch Polynesian song and dance when I visit. It’s always beautiful and free to the public.
However, it can get crowded, so you might want to get there a little early to see the show. They start at 6 p.m. during tourism season.
Besides that, there are plenty of stores where you can shop.
Discount Stores
You can find more affordable options in Waikiki too.
ABC Stores is a convenience chain store with souvenirs, snacks, and vacation supplies. You’ll see them all over Waikiki, and you can buy swimsuits, clothes, sunscreen, hats, and more here.
Walmart and Target are also located in Waikiki. Target is at the International Market Place. Walmart is a little further of a walk, but we drive there.
Restaurants & Dining
Just like shopping areas, you’ll find more restaurants and dining options to keep you busy. You can find many in all the shopping areas I mentioned before.
Waikiki has many of the same fast-food joints you’d find on the mainland. While hanging out at the beach, you can grab some BBQ, a hot dog, and shaved ice from local food stands.
They have every type of cuisine from Hawaiian to Italian. You’re in luck, especially if you like Asian food and want to find sushi and poke.
Along with the designer shops, they have high-end fine dining too. We ate at some of these upscale restaurants, and the food was great.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll want to make a reservation way in advance if you can. Many restaurants were booked out or had wait times of around 2 hours.
But when we’re on the move, we mostly opt for something quick. My favorite place in Waikiki is Paia Fishmarket Restaurant, a family-owned restaurant.
They have big, hearty fish plates at reasonable prices. Yum!
If you come during dinner time, plan to stand in line. We usually go late afternoon or early evening—or skip the line by ordering our food to go.
If you don’t want to eat out all the time, you can get some snacks from a grocery store. Close to Waikiki, there’s a Whole Foods that we visit to stock up.
Tours & Sightseeing
Since Waikiki Beach is full of tourists, you’ll find many touristy things to do. I always see sightseeing buses full of people and local tour guides showing people around.
Although you can pretty much walk around the area to see it, narrated tours give you more information. Bus tours give you a higher view and might take you to places that you would otherwise miss.
The only tour we’ve done so far was the catamaran tour. This was so fun, and it’s not too far from the beachfront. You’ll have to get to the Kewalo Basin boat harbor.
Anyway, there are many boat tours where you can view the skyline from the Pacific Ocean. You can also go swimming and snorkeling in deep blue waters.
We saw gigantic turtles on our tour and “chocolate chip cookie fish.” I’ll tell you all about our adventure in my blog post!
Resort Activities
If you’re staying in a resort or hotel in Waikiki, check to see what kind of activities they offer. When we stayed at the Royal Hawaiian, they had a daily list of things to do.
Between our itinerary and their list, we weren’t able to do it all. But next time, I’ll be sure to join in on their activities.
They had paddleboarding, yoga, jewelry-making, ukulele, and more. So, if you just want to stay around the resort, it may offer many activities to fill your day.
Plus, they had other recommendations for tours and activities in the area.
Travel Notes
Our main thing to do is hang out at the beach, shop, and eat. We like to balance our time by staying around Waikiki and exploring beyond the area.
I’ve found the least crowded time of year is in the winter months. The weather is rainy and cooler, but there are fewer people. Spring and fall seem to be the most crowded.
You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, a sunhat, water bottle, and perhaps an umbrella.
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, they may have shuttles and tours. We haven’t been on any walking tours of the area, but might try one next time to learn more of the history.
Final Thoughts
We always find something to do and see while in Waikiki. It’s a great place to vacation if you like shopping and dining.
We always enjoy our time here, and it goes so quickly. But I’m looking forward to returning to discover more about the area.
More Travel Adventures
I have many other related posts on my blog. You may want to check them out.
- When you’re ready to explore beyond Waikiki, I share my favorite things to do in Honolulu.
- And if you’d like to explore a little further, check out things to do in Oahu.
I’d love to hear about your travel adventures!
Originally published: July 7, 2025
